Chic Chocs Backcountry Skiing: Feb Break in Gaspesie National Park

Join Middlebury Outdoor Programs and the Mountain Club for a week-long, February break backcountry ski trip in the Chic Choc mountains! The Chic Chocs in Quebec, Canada, have been heralded as the backcountry skiing mecca of the east and can provide some amazing alpine experiences. There are limited spots and all aspiring participants must fill out an application and be accepted prior to the lottery selection process. Being that this is still the EAST, snow conditions can be variable based on weather. With that stated, and knowing that there will be multiple days of ski touring ahead, this trip’s primary purpose will be to expose the participant to advanced backcountry terrain in a learning environment. The trip participant will gain valuable avy equipment use and rescue skills, and will be taught various snow study techniques in order to make more informed decisions when choosing terrain in the backcountry. At the end of the week, each participant will also have completed the equivalent of the backcountry ski guide seminar, and may qualify to become an MMC guide (contingent on skill set demonstration and wilderness medicine certification). *All participants MUST have prior, proven technical skiing experience and ability.* Previous backcountry ski travel is recommended, but not mandatory. If you are considering applying and cannot comfortably and competently ski ALL of the terrain at the Snowbowl (including front, backside, and all treed areas), then you should instead join us for the weekly Skin and Ski seriesrun through J-term. Click here to register